Zero Waste, Real Results

5 Practical Ways to Launch Zero Waste Initiatives

Zero Waste Week (September 1–7) is a great time to take a closer look at how your organization manages waste. Zero waste focuses on practical steps to cut landfill use, boost material recovery, and support sustainability.

Reduction In Motion supports organizations of all sizes with custom waste diversion strategies. From audits and signage design to hands-on training and rollout planning, we help teams reduce waste in practical, manageable ways.

Here are five simple steps to make an impact in celebration of Zero Waste Week.

1. Start with a Waste Audit

You can’t manage what you don’t measure. A waste audit provides clear insight into what’s being thrown away, what could be diverted, and can help dial in where opportunities exist.

Pro Tip: Use your audit findings to set achievable goals and guide your priorities.

2. Improve Bins and Signage

One of the fastest ways to improve diversion is to review your bin locations, sizes, and signage. Make sure bins are easy to access, consistently color-coded, and clearly labeled based on your actual waste streams.

Pro Tip: Pairing bins and introducing restrictive lids will help improve waste separation compliance.  

3. Engage and Train Your Teams

Even the best bin system won’t work without staff support. Make waste training a part of onboarding and ongoing operations. Include visuals, quick reference guides, and opportunities for staff to ask questions.

Pro Tip: Identify and empower “Waste Champions” across departments to help model and reinforce sorting best practices.

4. Focus on High-Impact Areas First

Start where it matters most. Focus on spaces or waste streams that generate the most volume – cardboard, food, or paper. Kitchens, copier centers, and shipping/receiving areas are great starting points.

Pro Tip: Prioritize bite-sized initiatives that build momentum. Zero waste is a continuous improvement journey, not a quest for perfection.

5. Plan for Long-Term Success

Engage leadership early and often. Rollout should be phased and supported with training, communication, and regular feedback. Build in time to review what works well, provide timeline feedback based on observations, and evolve your approach to ensure continued engagement.

Pro Tip: We work with clients to create detailed implementation plans and provide support throughout the transition.

Let’s Build a Better System Together

Zero Waste Week is a reminder that progress starts with a single step. Small, steady improvements can lead to lasting impact. So, whether you’re ready to plan for a specific event or launch a full-scale program, our team is here to help.

Ready to take the next step? We specialize in turning waste goals into real-world results. Reach out to learn more about our audits, program design, and deployment support.